News

Longtime Catholic educator dies

By Tony Staley
Compass Correspondent

NEENAH -- Phyllis Lorek, 71, who played important roles in the formation of Catholic school systems in Appleton, Neenah/Menasha and Oshkosh, died unexpectedly at home April 21.

Lorek was born Jan. 29, 1937, in Omaha, to the late Phillip and Amelia (Bruning) Schmidt. She and David Lorek were married June 13, 1964, in Park Ridge, Ill.

She was active for many years in church and community in the Fox River Valley in scouting, PTA, parish councils, school boards and sports support groups. She served on diocesan advisory bodies, including two terms on the budget review committee and was chairperson of a leadership study commission for the 1988 Diocesan Synod.

In addition to helping form three school systems, Lorek served as the first executive secretary for TCCES (Twin Cities Catholic Education System) in Neenah/Menasha.

Lorek also worked at St. Mary and St. Bernard parishes in Appleton and had been the business administrator at St. Philip Parish in Green Bay.

"She was very good at what she did," said Fr. Richard Allen, pastor of St. Gabriel Parish, Neenah. "She had vision. She could dream and see things that could come about and then she worked really hard to bring them about on a practical level."

Deacon Ray Dubois, promotional services director in the diocesan Department of Education, said Lorek brought a business perspective at a time when the church was not known for up-to-date business practices. She also was able to convince educators to consider the business implications of their proposals, Deacon Dubois said.

In retirement, Lorek served on the boards of directors of Mount Tabor Center and the Community Clothes Closet.

Survivors include children: Amy of Bloomington, Ind.; Andrea (Kevin) Strauss of Rochester, Minn.; Melissa (Mike) Ginter of Chicago; Steve (Stacy) of Loveland, Ohio; four grandchildren; and a brother, Tom Schmidt of Jacksonville, Fla. She was preceded in death by her husband, David, and a son, Greg. Mass of Christian Burial was offered April 28 at St. Mary Church, Appleton. Bishop Robert Morneau officiated. Burial was at St. Mary Cemetery. A memorial is being established through the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, P.O. Box 563, Appleton, WI 54912.